West Ham United are reportedly considering a move to sign Burnley defender Charlie Taylor this summer – but after Junior Firpo was sidelined with injury, Leeds United cannot let the Hammers sign their academy product.
Taylor, 28, is likely to be open to a move from Burnley. The left-back would surely be tempted by an immediate return to the Premier League. That is, after the Clarets suffered relegation to the Championship last term.
The York-born defender joined Burnley from Leeds in 2017 after clocking up 104 appearances for the Whites. Since then, Leeds have struggled to solve their left-back issues – certainly, on a long-term basis.
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Barry Douglas, Laurens De Bock, Gjanni Alioski and Firpo have been the options – but ultimately, none have nailed down the position regularly. Firpo’s latest blow has got to convince Leeds to sign a left-back.
Reports from transfer expert Dean Jones on Give Me Sport claim that West Ham want Taylor. But surely, Leeds need to rival the Hammers and tempt Taylor into a return to Elland Road this summer, to replace Firpo.
Leeds cannot let West Ham sign Taylor after Firpo injury
Taylor, over the last five seasons at Burnley, has proven he is a Premier League quality defender. A hard-worker, Taylor is perhaps known for his defensive qualities – but also his ability to curl in a dangerous cross.
Jesse Marsch likes his full-backs to get forward. In his 104 Leeds games, he had a hand in 16 goals. Clearly, he is more than adept at having an impact in the final third from defence. It is unclear how much Burnley want.
But if Taylor is to leave Burnley, and West Ham are interested, then Leeds have got to throw their hat into the ring. Even before Firpo’s injury, but so much more now the ex-Barcelona defender is injured.
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